Sports Medicine

Trusted care for athletes, laborers, and active adults across the Hudson Valley and Catskills

Overview

Dr. Charles Episalla, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, leads Catskill Orthopedics in providing expert sports medicine care. From collegiate athletes and high school teams to physically active workers, Dr. Episalla offers skilled diagnosis and treatment of joint, tendon, muscle, and ligament injuries — all close to home.

Why Choose Catskill Orthopedics for Sports Medicine?

Decades of orthopedic leadership and experience:
Dr. Episalla has served as Team Physician for SUNY Sullivan’s athletic programs for over 25 years and was inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame. He’s treated countless sports injuries throughout his 30+ year career, and served as Director of Orthopedic Surgery at multiple regional hospitals.

Care for athletes of all backgrounds:
We treat sports injuries in everyone from high school athletes and college teams to construction workers and retirees staying active in the Catskills. Whether you're recovering from a fall, overuse, or a chronic condition, we tailor care to your lifestyle and goals.

Advanced techniques, local access:
Dr. Episalla is trained in arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery for the knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow — including ligament repairs, cartilage procedures, and tendon reconstructions — offering big-city quality care without the need to travel far.

From evaluation to return to play:
We offer on-site diagnostics and coordinated care through nearby surgical centers and therapy providers. Whether surgery or conservative care is best, we guide you from injury through recovery and return to work, sport, or daily life.

Common Sports Medicine Conditions We Treat

We focus on shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and lower extremity injuries, including:

  • Rotator cuff tears

  • Shoulder instability and labral tears

  • ACL, MCL, and PCL injuries

  • Meniscus tears

  • Tendonitis and overuse injuries

  • Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow

  • Hamstring strains and quadriceps injuries

  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee)

  • IT band syndrome

  • Achilles tendon tears

  • Ankle sprains and stress fractures

  • Growth plate injuries and sports-related pediatric injuries

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Care:

  • Bracing and activity modification

  • Cortisone or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections

  • Physical therapy referrals

  • Medication for inflammation and pain

Surgical Procedures:

  • Arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery

  • ACL reconstruction

  • Rotator cuff repair

  • Cartilage preservation or transplantation

  • Elbow and hip arthroscopy

  • Minimally invasive fracture repair

  • Select joint replacements when needed for active adults